Ever received a business card from a real estate professional and wondered what all those letters stood for? Here’s a guide to some of the main players in the real estate letter game:

S, Salesperson

B, Broker

RA, Realtor-Associate

R, Realtor

When first licensed through the State of Hawaii Real Estate Commission, a real estate licensee is a “S” Salesperson or “RA” Realtor Associate. Only members of the National Association of Realtors are allowed to use “Realtor” in any part of their title. Members of the NAR are bound to a higher standard of practice and code of ethics.

After a minimum of 3 years full time experience, a licensed salesperson may attend a comprehensive accreditation course, and if successfully completed, take the State of Hawaii Broker’s exam. Candidates with a passing score may then apply to the Hawaii Real Estate Commission to become “B” Brokers or “R” Realtors.

GRI, Graduate Realtor Institute To become a “GRI” Graduate, Realtor Institute, the candidate is required to attend a combination of “core” and “elective” courses, approved by the Realtor Institute. The GRI courses provide the individual a solid foundation of knowledge of many aspects of the real estate industry.

CRS, Certified Residential Specialist.
The Certified Residential Specialist Council has served top-producing residential sales agents since 1977. The more than 35,000 CRS® Designees benefit from nationwide referral opportunities, a professional image that attracts customers, and sales and marketing support. The CRS® Designation is awarded to experienced REALTORS® who complete advanced training in listing and selling, and meet rigorous production requirements. Currently, only 3.5% of all Realtors nationwide are certified as “CRS”.

CRB, Certified Residential Broker. Awarded by the Council of Real Estate Brokerage Mangers, CRB is recognized industry-wide as the measure of success in brokerage and real estate business management. The CRB must complete the Council's advanced educational and professional requirements. CRB designees consistently increase their level of industry knowledge, advance their earning and career potential, increase their firm’s profitability. Visit www.crb.com.

ABR, Accredited Buyer Representative
With over 40,000 members, Real Estate Buyers Agent Council is the largest association of real estate professionals focusing on all aspects of buyer representation. Over 30,000 ABR® designees have completed the REBAC course, passed the test and provided documentation of buyer agency experience

CCIM, Certified Commercial Investment Member®
CCIMs are recognized experts in commercial real estate brokerage, leasing, valuation and investment analysis. The CCIM business network includes more than 7,500 designees and an equal number of candidates principally in North America, but also in Asia and Europe. CCIMs are backed by a respected education program, as well as superior technology products and business resources. Visit www.ccim.com.

e-PRO® is a training program presented entirely online to certify real estate agents and brokers as Internet Professionals. The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® is the first major trade group to offer certification for online professionalism.